With its fascinating history, dynamic cities and diverse landscapes, this peach of a state has plenty to offer visitors. Here are our tips for exploring the Southern gem.

Founded in 1837, Georgia’s capital was at the end of the Western & Atlantic Railroad line. First nicknamed Terminus, it then became Marthasville in honour of the then-governor's daughter. It was finally renamed Atlanta in 1845 after the railroad. The city remains a huge transportation hub – its airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest in terms of daily passenger flights. Read our full guide to Atlanta here.

Things can get a little confusing in Atlanta if you’re not careful – more than 70 roads are called Peachtree. As well as the main drag, Peachtree Street, there’s also Peachtree Avenue, Peachtree Circle, Peachtree Drive, Peachtree Walk, Peachtree Way and so on…

Like most states in the US, you really need to have your own set of wheels to properly explore the best of Georgia. Although, beware the notorious traffic in Atlanta and hop on MARTA instead. The city’s subway will whizz you from the airport to Downtown in 20 minutes and gets you around most of the neighbourhoods of note, especially when used in conjunction with the streetcar (tram) loop which has 12 stops over 2.7 miles.

Atlanta played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement and is the birthplace of its greatest leader, Martin Luther King Jr. He lived in Sweet Auburn, a neighbourhood southeast of Downtown Atlanta. You can visit his childhood home (although tickets are limited so get there early) and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he and his father preached. Be sure to dedicate a good few hours to the excellent National Centre for Civil and Human Rights museum downtown too.

Georgia gained its moniker because it was a prolific producer of peaches, mostly grown in the central region of the state. The stone fruit appears on license plates, billboards and road signs, and Georgians are very proud of their superior tasting produce. But it’s actually a bit of a misnomer as Georgia now makes more money from producing pecans and cabbages... but that doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.

Spending a day rafting, kayaking or tubing along the Chattahoochee River (locally known as the Hooch) is a summertime tradition in the hot and humid Southern state. The river starts in north Georgia’s mountains and flows hundreds of miles through the state to its southern border. You can get out on the river just minutes from Atlanta or head to Helen in the northeast mountains for a particularly lovely stretch. Read our full guide to the area, including the city of Athens, here.

You might spot a few familiar streets and buildings on your travels: generous tax incentives have boosted Georgia’s movie-making industry. It’s now one of the top three film hubs along with New York and Los Angeles. Zombie series The Walking Dead is filmed in and around Atlanta, while much of Netflix’s Stranger Things and Ozark are shot in the state. Famous film locations include Savannah in Forest Gump and, more recently, Atlanta and Gainesville in Baby Driver. Fans of The Hunger Games can spot the Swan House (President Snow’s mansion, pictured) and the Goat Farm Arts Centre (District 12) in Atlanta.

Expect big-hearted Southern hospitality and generous portions when you’re eating out. Typical dishes are shrimp and grits (cornmeal), biscuits and gravy, and fried green tomatoes. Fried chicken is a firm fixture, usually served with collard greens, fried okra and mac ‘n’ cheese. As with other Southern states, barbecues are taken seriously here: succulent meats (usually pork or brisket) are smoked to perfection and served with a variety of sauces and sides.

From the ubiquitous sweet tea to super-sweet muscadine wines, the state loves its sugary drinks. The muscadine grape variety thrives in the hot climates of the South and is a must-try while in the state. Typical desserts are peach cobbler, of course, and local pecan pie, while any good barbecue joint will have its own take on banana pudding, a sweet and creamy Southern favourite.

As you travel around the state, you’ll pass roadside stands selling boiled peanuts – another home-grown Southern staple. Fred’s Famous Peanuts near Helen is well worth a stop for a scoop of its renowned freshly boiled nuts.

The state’s busiest tourist destination is the coastal city of Savannah which has a large historic centre. It also lays claim to having its most photographed sight – the Forsyth Park Fountain (pictured). It’s set within the gorgeous expanse of Forsyth Gardens, all Spanish moss-draped oaks and French-style lawns. Follow the Antebellum Trail to see more impressive pre-Civil War buildings. It runs 100 miles through Georgia’s heartland past towns that escaped the wrath of Union General Sherman during his infamous March to the Sea.

This is where Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell lived, after all. Visit her redbrick house in midtown Atlanta and the moss-draped Oakland cemetery where she was buried. Join a Gone with the Wind tour in Atlanta or really immerse yourself in the period by staying at the Twelve Oaks in Covington, Atlanta. The antebellum mansion, which inspired Mitchell’s vision of Ashley Wilkes' home, is now a luxury B&B. Serious fans won’t want to miss the Road to Tara Museum in Jonesboro, as well as a whole host of other must-see sites.

With recent changes to antiquated Prohibition-era regulations that prevented breweries from selling beer on-site, the state’s craft brew scene is beginning to flourish. There are now some brilliant brewery bars, even in small towns such as the excellent Left Nut Brewing Co. Based in a historic factory on the edge of Gainesville, take a tour or taste its beers and ciders in the tap room. Other noteworthy brewers are Creature Comforts and Terrapin Beer Co in Athens, and Red Brick Brewing in Atlanta.

With their lovely sandy beaches, Georgia’s Golden Isles (St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island) are a favourite retreat among sun-seeking locals. Strike north and you’ll find the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, where Georgians go to camp, kayak, fish and hike. There are vast lakes too, such as the dreamy Lake Lanier, while in the far south, spy alligators as you paddle across a swamp in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (pictured).

Peaches aren't the only thing you'll want to take home with you. Try your best to master the Southern way of saying “y’all” and once you start, you’ll find it hard to stop uttering this infectious Southern phrase after you leave. For all the information you need about what to see and do across the state visit Explore Georgia.